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Former Harambee Stars midfielder, Titus Mulama, is optimistic of Harambee Stars’ chances in the upcoming CAF 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers to commence in mid-November, suggesting they could emerge as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

On July 13, Kenya was pooled together with two-time African Champions Ivory Coast who are tipped by many football followers to be clear favourites in Group F. Other teams in the group include Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang’s Gabon, Gambia, Seychelles and regional neighbours Burundi. Save for Burundi, Seychelles and Gabon.

Kenya have never played the Ivorians who are above them in the FIFA rankings and who are considered red-hot contenders in the qualifying campaign. Kenya were in Pot 3 of the draw held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on July 13.

The first match of the two-legged qualifiers will be played between November 13 and 21 this year. The winners of each group will directly qualify for the tournament.

Additionally, the four best runners-up from the groups will advance to the CAF Play-Off tournament, whose winners hall secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mulama who made more than 71 appearances for Kenya maintains that Kenya can pull off some big performances, especially against countries that are considered to be above them on FIFA rankings.

“It is a draw that can favour us, it is a group that we can manoeuvre in because I know when Kenya is pooled against big and strong teams like Ivory Coast we tend to raise our game or our standards and get desired results.

You remember sometime back we were close to beating Nigeria in Calabar. It’s just a matter of putting our house in order before the kick-off of the qualifiers,” Mulama told People Sport.

Among the teams in Kenya’s Group F, only Ivory Coast have been able to feature in a FIFA World Cup and that was in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 hence being considered outright to lead the standings at the end of the qualification campaign.

However, Mulama is of the opinion that Harambee Stars should be troubled or worried about Ivory Coast which is ranked 51st globally.

Instead, the former winger says Kenya should focus more on the teams that are being regarded as minnows in the Group.

“Every year in any qualifiers we have seen some surprises. Small football countries shocking big wigs. In my opinion, I don’t think our focus should be on Ivory Coast – although they are favorites.”